I recently spent some time at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, as well as Treetops Resort in Gaylord. I also stopped at the Red Mesa Grill for a fun tequila tasting, and I finished the trip in the Gaylord area, snowshoeing the Pigeon River State Forest.

I'll run down some of things you can do, beside skiiing.

And I'll also share with you some of the things you can do in the coming weeks:

Crystal Mountain Dog SleddingOur Musher, Michelle Savich, of Sled Dog Express, takes us on a dog sled ride at Crystal Mountain. The ride is on a 2-mile course especially groomed for her team of dogs. More info at crystalmountain.com or sled-dog-express.com

DOG SLEDDING AT CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN
If you've ever been to the sprawling and gorgeous Crystal Mountain resort, then you've probably gone for cross-country or downhill skiiing or maybe snowboarding. Don't forget about the dining options. I was impressed with the variety at the Thistle Pub & Grille, including its love for Michigan craft beer. I especially loved the Thistle Scottish Ale, brewed for Crystal Mountain by Jolly Pumpkin. But my trip's highlight was a dog sled ride on a 2-mile course that takes you on a specially groomed trail. Lead musher Michelle Savich took me in a sled designed for two people, ideally a parent and child. She keeps 27 dogs on site and rotates them appropriately. Six dogs take you on the trip, which lasts about 15-20 minutesAvailable: Through March 29, weather permittingDays & Times: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Wednesday and Saturday, 9 a.m,-3 p.m. on SundayCost: $75 per sled, up to 300 lbs.
.SNOWSHOE AT MICHIGAN LEGACY PARK
The sculpture park is located on a 30-acre preserve at Crystal Mountain near Thompsonville, and it is open to the public. (Donations are accepted.) We saw people cross-country skiiing. But I braved it for a snow-shoeing experience, which takes you on a vigorous hike that offers a quiet and scenic view, as well as an amphitheater, small fort and many things for the little ones to discover. But it's the 45 sculptures that tell Michigan's history that keep people coming back. The trail is about 1 1/2 miles long. It is open year-around.Hours: Open daily during daylight hoursCost: Suggested donation is $5More info: Call 231-378-4963 or go to crystalmountain.com or michiganlegacypark.org

Paul Beachnau on Skiable FeastBarry Owens of Treetops Resort in Gaylord explains the Skiable Feast, an opportunity for cross-country enthusiasts to explore a 4km trail and also enjoy gourmet food, as well as Michigan beer and wine. John Gonzalez of MLive also talked to Paul Beachnau, executive director of the Gaylord Area Convention and Tourism Bureau; they went on a sneak preview of the feast. The Skiable Feast dates are Jan. 18, Feb. 1 and Feb. 15, 2014. More details at http://treetops.com/

SKIABLE FEAST AT TREETOPS
Want to cross-country ski on a cool site, and eat and drink along the way? Over at Treetops Resort in Gaylord, enthusiasts can experience the beauty of the former Project Nature site where exotic animals -- including giraffes -- once roamed the land. Today you're more apt to see elk. Treetops Resort has set up these skiable feasts where you take a shuttle -- after a couple drinks and appetizers -- from the Jones Activities Center/Pro Shop to your adventure. Along the way you stop at three more stations offering gourmet food, as well as great Michigan wine and beer. You return to the pro shop for -- you guessed it! -- more food and drinks. Cost is $79 per person. Special packages are available for those who want to stay overnight. That would be my suggestion.Date: Feb. 1 and 15, 2014Cost: $79 per personMore info:treetops.com or call (888) TREETOPS.

Now, let's take a look at some upcoming events. I can't to everything, but these are some of the things I just might find time to experience. If you know of events in Traverse City, Northern Michigan or the Upper Peninsula, feel free to contact me or pass along some tips.

UPCOMING EVENTS
• AlpenFrost takes place Feb. 7 and 8 in Gaylord, and features a Polar Plunge Parade, Soup-Off Contest, freestyle rail jam, beer and wine tent (heated of course) and the Frosty 5k race. In fact, that will be my first 5k of 2014 in my goal to race 14 5ks in 2014. More info at gaylordalpenfrost.com.

• Treetops Beer and Wine Festival is Feb. 8, and is an official part of the AlpenFrost. You will find about 25 breweries and 25 vineyards, all offering a variety of styles and wines. Tickets are $15 per person and includes 6 tasting tickets, appetizers and souvenir glass. Proceeds will go to Special Olympics Winter Games. VIP tickets are $30 for 30 samples. Hours are 6-10 p.m. Feb. 8, 2014.

• Traverse City Winter Microbrew & Music Festival is Feb. 8, 2014, and features some of the area's best craft beer, cider, and meads, as well as local cuisine and live entertainment. It all takes place at the Downtown Farmers Market area, between Cass and Union Streets. Doors open at 4 p.m. More info at 231-499-4968 or at microbrewandmusic.com.

• Traverse City Winter Comedy Arts Festival is Feb. 13-16, 2014 features two dozen comedians, many films, thousands of laughs — and according to organizers -- 200 inches of snow! The festival is a project between the Traverse City Film Festival and the National Cherry Festival. It is founded by Michael Moore and Jeff Garlin. More details at wintercomedy.org.

• I spent some time recently doing some tequila tasting at Red Mesa Grill in Traverse City -- more on that another day! While I was there I was tempted to check out the World Tacos feature on the Latin/Mexican menu. Check out the taco inspired by cuisine from Korea, Japan, Italy, France and the city of New Orleans. Tacos are $5 each. The special feature will remain through Feb. 16. The original Red Mesa Grill is in Boyne City. More info on the complete menu, as well as the extensive tequila collection and variety of margaritas, on the Red Mesa Grill Facebook page.

• Mardi Gras at Pearl's New Orlean's Kitchen in Elk Rapids will feature the legendary Buckwheat Zydeco, who caps off a big Mardi Gras Celebration from Feb. 28- March 4. Activities include live music, dancing, special menu, face painting, balloon art and more at "The North's Biggest and Best Mardi Gras Party!" More information on the Pearl's Facebook page or call 231-264-0530.